Reviews written by Clara Graham-Reid, Staff Reviewer

What a fantastic introduction to working dogs and animal careers! I grew up surrounded by “dog people,” with weekend trips to dog agility trials, annual pilgrimages to hearfin dog trials and training my own rescue dogs to be therapy dogs to visit nursing homes. I can say that with certainty...

This little board book hit me right in the feels! Hannah Eliot has perfectly captured the beautiful, exhausting, sometimes hilarious reality of motherhood in "What's Mine Is Yours." As I read it with my 12 month old daughter curled up next to me, I found myself laughing and tearing up...

Yolen has created a beautiful exploration of winter celebrations from a variety of religious practices and beliefs. This book tackles the challenge of representing diverse holiday traditions without oversimplifying or tokenizing different cultural practices, and it succeeds beautifully. What I love most about this approach is how it...

What an incredible addition to children's biography literature! The Boldens have created something truly special here - a book that makes space exploration accessible to young readers while providing inspiring representation and real-world STEM connections. Charles Bolden's personal story is absolutely fascinating, and the way it's presented makes...

I love how the illustrations in this book expand the simple text into a fun family activity. The familiar melody makes the book immediately accessible to even very young children, while the pictures demonstrate a variety of motions or activities that could accompany the song. This makes the book so...

Lucas has tackled every parent's worst nightmare with such skill and sensitivity. This book captures that terrifying moment when a child gets separated from their parent in a public place - something most families have either experienced or fear experiencing. Rafa promises his mama he'll stay close in the grocery...

Chen has created a wonderfully interactive book that perfectly captures the energy and enthusiasm of childhood play! I knew we needed to add this book to our library as soon as I saw it because my family loved “Play Outside with Me” which was also by Kat Chen. Play Games...

What an absolutely delightful tale of identity, community, and the unexpected consequences of change! Lewis Jones has created a story that works on multiple levels - entertaining for children while offering deeper themes for thoughtful readers to explore. The story follows Mister Norton as his simple decision to...

This is poetry at its finest for young readers! Forman has created something truly special - a book that operates simultaneously as visual art, spiritual reflection, and celebration of wonder. The language is absolutely beautiful, with rhythm and imagery that appeals to both children and adults. What strikes...

What a perfect celebration of autumn joy! This story is simple but effective - showcasing the sensory experiences and physical play that young children naturally gravitate toward. The real highlight of this book are the illustrations which feature lots of detail and pop out leaf piles, making this a...

Soundar has created an absolutely beautiful bedtime book that feels both universal and culturally specific in the best possible way. The gentle rhythm and soothing language make this perfect for winding down at the end of the day, and it's become a regular part of our bedtime routine. ...

These Indestructibles books are a game-changer for families with babies and toddlers! The waterproof, tear-resistant format means I can actually relax when my one-year-old is "reading" independently, and that's worth its weight in gold. We accidentally tested the indestructible claim by sending a book through the washing machine, which is...

Finally! A book that addresses tantrums with both humor and practical wisdom. Wolf has created something that feels like a breath of fresh air in the world of social-emotional learning books for children. The tongue-in-cheek title immediately caught my attention, and the content absolutely delivers. What I love...

This book tackles such an important topic - the complexity of identity and appearance. Rea handles these themes with sensitivity and age-appropriate depth that really impressed me as both a parent and former educator. The story follows a young girl navigating questions about her appearance, which reflects experiences...

Temple has created something absolutely hilarious here! This book had both me and my kids in stitches from the very first page. The concept is brilliant - taking the acronym G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) and running with it in the most literal, goat-filled way possible. What I...